COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Tuesday, 29 October 2024

● Council of the EU   29/10/2024 21:29 | Press release | Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd   The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the execution in Iran of German-Iranian national Jamshid Sharmahd. The European Union offers its condolences to Mr. Sharmahd's family and expresses its full solidarity with Germany. Jamshid Sharmahd was illegally abducted to Iran and held for years under inhumane conditions without a fair trial. The European Union continues to call on Iran to refrain from any future executions and pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of capital punishment. The European Union reiterates its call on Iran to end the distressing practice of detaining foreign civilians and dual nationals with a view to making political gains. Iranian restrictions on consular access to our citizens, the denial of consular protection and fair trial are not acceptable and stand in direct violation of international law. The death penalty violates the inalienable right to life enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and it is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment, incompatible with human dignity. The European Union reaffirms its strong and unequivocal opposition to the use of death penalty at all times, in all places and in all circumstances, especially taking into account the alarming increase in executions recorded in Iran last year and this year. The execution of a European citizen is seriously harming relations between Iran and the European Union. In view of this appalling development, the European Union will now consider targeted and significant measures. ● Council of the EU   29/10/2024 12:56 | Press release | Joint press statement EU - Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs (Budva, Montenegro, 28-29 October 2024)   The Ministers of Home Affairs and Justice of Hungary, representing the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, together with the European Commission, represented by the European Commissioners for Home Affairs and for Justice, met on 28-29 October 2024 in Budva, Montenegro, with their counterparts from the Western Balkans at the annual EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the European External Action Service, EU agencies, and the incoming Polish and Danish presidencies of the Council of the EU, with the representatives of the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) and of the Council of Europe participating as guests. The meeting reaffirmed the strong regional commitment and close cooperation on Justice and Home Affairs. The following matters were discussed: HOME AFFAIRS Fight against transnational organised crime and illicit trafficking Parties agreed to continue strengthening cooperation to counter regional and transnational criminal organised networks involved in illicit trafficking, including migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, drugs, and firearms trafficking. Joint efforts will therefore continue, especially through Europol and within the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT). Addressing the drugs phenomenon requires an evidence-based, integrated, multidisciplinary, and balanced approach, aiming to reduce both drug supply and drug demand as well as drug related harm. The European Union and the Western Balkans welcomed the work and the support provided by the relevant agencies and bodies of the EU and the new opportunities offered to further cooperation in the region and beyond. The European Union welcomed the second phase of the Roadmap on comprehensive small arms and light weapons control in the region until 2030, endorsed by all Western Balkan partners. Strengthening migration, asylum, and border management: the EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans The European Union and Western Balkan partners acknowledged the progress made on the implementation of the EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans presented by the Commission in December 2022. The European Union and the Western Balkans reiterated their joint commitment to address irregular migration, with a view to reinforce the protection of borders and to fight migrant smuggling, in line with the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling. Discussions focused on ongoing efforts to set up sustainable asylum and reception systems and to ensure effective returns of migrants with no right to stay, to their countries of origin. The European Union recalled its increased political and financial support to the region in the area of migration and urged Western Balkan partners to further progress towards aligning their visa policy with the EU list of visa-required countries, given the demonstrated effect that alignment of visa policies with the EU’s has on reducing irregular border crossings along the route. In addition, Western Balkan partners were updated on the Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), as well as on the progress towards the adoption of a new Joint Action Plan on Counterterrorism for the Western Balkans in 2025. JUSTICE Justice in the digital age The European Union and the Western Balkans discussed recent developments in relation to the digitalisation of justice and held an exchange of views on the opportunities and the main challenges of the potential of using interoperable solutions and new digital technologies, including artificial intelligence. The European Union encouraged Western Balkan partners to adopt e-justice strategies, to update the existing ones, and to continue to advance steadily in the digitalisation of the judicial systems, making full use of all available funds and the existing e-justice instruments. The European Union provided an update on ongoing EU discussions, inter alia on the efforts towards the digitalisation of justice systems and on the electronic evidence package. Participants were also informed about the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, which is, inter alia open to the participation of third parties. Cross-border judicial cooperation in criminal matters Parties reiterated their commitment to strengthening judicial cooperation in criminal matters, with a focus on enhancing investigations and prosecutions to achieve conviction in cases with cross-border elements, in particular concerning the fight against organised crime. Western Balkan partners were encouraged to improve the effectiveness of their response to transnational organised crime, while improving cooperation between different jurisdictions and ensuring the rights of victims of crime, in line with the EU acquis and international standards. The European Union provided an overview on the revision of the Victim’s Rights Directive and presented some of the measures and actions implemented in the framework of the EU Roadmap to fight against organised crime and drugs trafficking. The European Union called upon Western Balkan partners to step up their efforts in implementing relevant reforms and in enhancing cross border criminal justice cooperation, notably by using all opportunities of cooperation with the justice and home affairs agencies and bodies (Eurojust, Europol, and EPPO). Parties also touched upon the opportunities for further engagement with third countries, inter alia Latin America. In addition, the European Union provided an update on latest justice-related developments in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including on the enforcement of restrictive measures, Eurojust’s coordination activities in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in Ukraine, and victims’ rights. The European Union invited the Western Balkan partners to contribute in-kind expertise, cooperate on the enforcement of restrictive measures, and support Eurojust in the coordination of investigation and prosecution of war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in Ukraine. The incoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union informed participants on the priorities in the Home Affairs and Justice policy areas during its term. ● Council of the EU   29/10/2024 11:22 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 5 November 2024   The press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council will take place on Thursday, 31 October 2024 at 09.00. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building press room. To attend the event remotely, please use this link to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous press events of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Thursday, 31 October 2024 at 08.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. ● Council of the EU   Career opportunities at the General Secretariat, 29/10/2024   Temporary agent (TA AST3) – Assistant-Librarian Reference: CONS/12/2024/TA-AST/COMM Closing date for applications: 12 November 2024 17h00 (CET) ● General Secretariat of the Council   New books added to the Council Library's collection - October 2024   Discover our selection of books recently added to the Council Library collection. ● Council of the EU   29/10/2024 09:14 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 5 November 2024   The Council will seek an agreement on the VAT for the digital age package. The Council will discuss the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Ministers will discuss the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and adopt changes to the Solvency II directive, as well as new rules on insurance recovery and resolution (IRRD). ● Council of the EU   29/10/2024 14:04 | Press release | Myanmar/Burma: EU lists three individuals and one entity responsible for scam operations entailing serious human rights violations and threatening the peace, security and stability of Myanmar and the region   The Council today approved additional restrictive measures against three persons and one entity associated with the Myanmar military junta, and responsible for scam operations based in the country, which are targeting both the Myanmar population and citizens from other countries in the region. The EU is listing Chit Linn Myaing Group (CLM) and its founder and former chairman Colonel Saw Chit Thu. CLM is a group of companies that is involved with and profits financially from activities in scam compounds in the area of Myawaddy township on the Thai-Myanmar border, including the city of Shwe Kokko. The latter is a hub for transnational crime, including online fraud, drug and human trafficking, and is experiencing massive human rights violations, including forced labour and torture. Furthermore, CLM is closely associated with the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces), with whom it collaborates, for example by informing the Tatmadaw about opponents of the government and by forcefully recruiting soldiers. Together with Saw Chit Thu, Lieutenant Colonel Mote Thun, and Major Tin Win are also listed today. Lieutenant Colonel Mote Thun is a founding member and the Deputy Secretary General of the Karen/Kayin Border Guard Forces (BGF)/Karen National Army (KNA), an armed group affiliated with the Tatmadaw, which is particularly powerful in the South of Myawaddy, where numerous scam centres are located. Major Tin Win is a direct subordinate to Colonel Saw Chit and, under his direct command, he has supported and benefited from scam compounds near Myawaddy, such as Shwe Kokko, the KK Park Project, and the Huanya Project. Today’s decision shows the EU’s determination to address the growing threat of scam operations in Myanmar, which entail serious human rights violations and are increasingly threatening the peace, security and stability in the country and the region. With these new listings, a total of 106 people and 22 entities are now subject to an asset freeze and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit, is prohibited. In addition, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed. These restrictive measures come in addition to the withholding of EU financial assistance going directly to the government and the freezing of all EU assistance that may be seen as legitimising the junta. The EU remains deeply concerned by the continuing escalation of violence in Myanmar and the evolution towards a protracted conflict with regional implications. The EU condemns the continuing grave human rights violations by the Tatmadaw, including torture, sexual and gender-based violence, the persecution of civil society actors, human rights defenders and journalists, and attacks on the civilian population, including ethnic and religious minorities. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Background In February 2021, the Council adopted conclusions condemning in the strongest terms the military coup carried out in Myanmar. On 31 January 2023, the High Representative issued a declaration on behalf of the EU strongly condemning the overthrow of Myanmar’s democratically elected government by the Tatmadaw in blatant violation of the will of the people as expressed in the general election of 8 November 2020. This illegitimate act reversed the country’s democratic transition and led to disastrous humanitarian, social, security, economic and human rights consequences. The Council has imposed restrictive measures against those responsible for the military coup staged in Myanmar on 1 February 2021, and the subsequent military and police repression against peaceful demonstrators in March, April and June 2021, February and November 2022, February, July and December 2023. Other EU restrictive measures remain in place: the embargo on arms and equipment, as well as the export restrictions on equipment for monitoring communications, which might be used for internal repression, the export ban on dual-use goods for use by the military and border guard police, and the prohibition of military training and cooperation with the Tatmadaw. Today, the UK and Canada have also announced new sanctions on the Myanmar military and their associates. Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2783 of 29 October 2024 amending Decision 2013/184/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2784 of 29 October 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma Consolidated text (30 April 2024): Council Decision 2013/184/CFSP of 22 April 2013 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma Myanmar: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the 3rd anniversary of the military coup, 31 January 2024 EU sanctions against Myanmar/Burma (background information)   Press material Tuesday, 29 October 2024     ● Council of the EU   29/10/2024 12:56 | Press release | Joint press statement EU - Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs (Budva, Montenegro, 28-29 October 2024)   The Ministers of Home Affairs and Justice of Hungary, representing the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, together with the European Commission, represented by the European Commissioners for Home Affairs and for Justice, met on 28-29 October 2024 in Budva, Montenegro, with their counterparts from the Western Balkans at the annual EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the European External Action Service, EU agencies, and the incoming Polish and Danish presidencies of the Council of the EU, with the representatives of the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) and of the Council of Europe participating as guests. The meeting reaffirmed the strong regional commitment and close cooperation on Justice and Home Affairs. The following matters were discussed: HOME AFFAIRS Fight against transnational organised crime and illicit trafficking Parties agreed to continue strengthening cooperation to counter regional and transnational criminal organised networks involved in illicit trafficking, including migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, drugs, and firearms trafficking. Joint efforts will therefore continue, especially through Europol and within the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT). Addressing the drugs phenomenon requires an evidence-based, integrated, multidisciplinary, and balanced approach, aiming to reduce both drug supply and drug demand as well as drug related harm. The European Union and the Western Balkans welcomed the work and the support provided by the relevant agencies and bodies of the EU and the new opportunities offered to further cooperation in the region and beyond. The European Union welcomed the second phase of the Roadmap on comprehensive small arms and light weapons control in the region until 2030, endorsed by all Western Balkan partners. Strengthening migration, asylum, and border management: the EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans The European Union and Western Balkan partners acknowledged the progress made on the implementation of the EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans presented by the Commission in December 2022. The European Union and the Western Balkans reiterated their joint commitment to address irregular migration, with a view to reinforce the protection of borders and to fight migrant smuggling, in line with the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling. Discussions focused on ongoing efforts to set up sustainable asylum and reception systems and to ensure effective returns of migrants with no right to stay, to their countries of origin. The European Union recalled its increased political and financial support to the region in the area of migration and urged Western Balkan partners to further progress towards aligning their visa policy with the EU list of visa-required countries, given the demonstrated effect that alignment of visa policies with the EU’s has on reducing irregular border crossings along the route. In addition, Western Balkan partners were updated on the Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), as well as on the progress towards the adoption of a new Joint Action Plan on Counterterrorism for the Western Balkans in 2025. JUSTICE Justice in the digital age The European Union and the Western Balkans discussed recent developments in relation to the digitalisation of justice and held an exchange of views on the opportunities and the main challenges of the potential of using interoperable solutions and new digital technologies, including artificial intelligence. The European Union encouraged Western Balkan partners to adopt e-justice strategies, to update the existing ones, and to continue to advance steadily in the digitalisation of the judicial systems, making full use of all available funds and the existing e-justice instruments. The European Union provided an update on ongoing EU discussions, inter alia on the efforts towards the digitalisation of justice systems and on the electronic evidence package. Participants were also informed about the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, which is, inter alia open to the participation of third parties. Cross-border judicial cooperation in criminal matters Parties reiterated their commitment to strengthening judicial cooperation in criminal matters, with a focus on enhancing investigations and prosecutions to achieve conviction in cases with cross-border elements, in particular concerning the fight against organised crime. Western Balkan partners were encouraged to improve the effectiveness of their response to transnational organised crime, while improving cooperation between different jurisdictions and ensuring the rights of victims of crime, in line with the EU acquis and international standards. The European Union provided an overview on the revision of the Victim’s Rights Directive and presented some of the measures and actions implemented in the framework of the EU Roadmap to fight against organised crime and drugs trafficking. The European Union called upon Western Balkan partners to step up their efforts in implementing relevant reforms and in enhancing cross border criminal justice cooperation, notably by using all opportunities of cooperation with the justice and home affairs agencies and bodies (Eurojust, Europol, and EPPO). Parties also touched upon the opportunities for further engagement with third countries, inter alia Latin America. In addition, the European Union provided an update on latest justice-related developments in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including on the enforcement of restrictive measures, Eurojust’s coordination activities in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in Ukraine, and victims’ rights. The European Union invited the Western Balkan partners to contribute in-kind expertise, cooperate on the enforcement of restrictive measures, and support Eurojust in the coordination of investigation and prosecution of war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in Ukraine. The incoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union informed participants on the priorities in the Home Affairs and Justice policy areas during its term. ● European Council   30/10/2024 12:58 | Media accreditation | One-year badge 2025 - accreditation is open   This badge is intended for journalists resident in Belgium and gives access, during the whole calendar year 2025, to the Council premises during summits and high-level meetings, as well as on regular working days.  Application deadline: Friday 29 November 2024, at 14:00 Apply for the one-year badge More information on the one-year badge (PDF) Procedure Before starting the online procedure please make sure to have at hand the following piece of information and documents: the number of your valid identity document (national identity cards are only accepted for EU and EFTA nationals) or passport, as well as the issuing and expiry dates thereof a scanned copy of your EU or Belgian press card, OR of the assignment letter signed by your editor-in-chief confirming that you are covering EU affairs during the current year a passport-type picture in .jpeg format (max. 500KB) you will also be asked to print, sign and upload a form to give your authorisation to be security screened by the Belgian authorities. You will be able to download your consent form from your account Collection of badges You will receive an automatic email to inform you once your application has been validated and the badge is ready to be collected. One-year badges can be collected, on an individual basis only, at the JL main accreditation desk on working days. Please ensure you have your ID/passport when collecting the badge. ● European Council   30/10/2024 12:39 | Media accreditation | Media advisory - Accreditation for the European Council on 19-20 December 2024   The meeting of the European Council will take place on 19 and 20 December 2024 in the Europa building in Brussels. Address: Rue de la Loi 155/Wetstraat 155, 1040-Brussels. Registration Media representatives wishing to cover one or both meetings in person are required to register in advance, following this link. The deadline to register is Friday 29 November 2024 at 14:00 CEST. Under certain conditions, there will be the possibility for late accreditation. IMPORTANT: Media representatives are strongly advised to apply as soon as possible to allow for sufficient time to process the requests, especially those attending a European Summit for the first time or who have not completed a full security screening within the last few months. While under certain conditions it will be possible to process late accreditation requests, due to organizational and security constraints, the Council cannot guarantee the verification of applications for accreditation received after the deadline. Without such verification, the access to the summit will be denied. There is no need to register or collect any badge for the media representatives already in possession of the European Council annual badge. For more information, please also consult the Media accreditation page. Badge Collection A media accreditation desk will be set up at the LEX building (Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 145) outside the security perimeter, to allow for collection of badges during the events. Opening hours: Wednesday: 18 December: 09.00 - 18.00 Thursday: 19 December: 08.00 - 18.00 Friday: 20 December: 08.30 - 14.00 Media opportunities A detailed programme, including information on media opportunities, will be published at a later stage. Press materials Videos and photos of the summits will be available on: Council Newsroom EC Audiovisual Service Council Live